Bangor 1882

Charles Adams Platt created this etching titled 'Bangor'. It’s an evocative image of a port city, likely made in the late 19th or early 20th century. The ships suggest trade and travel, while the hazy atmosphere lends a sense of nostalgia. During this period, American artists increasingly looked to Europe, and particularly France, for inspiration. Printmaking societies gained traction and art exhibitions traveled widely. Platt was himself part of that movement, studying at the Académie Julian in Paris. This print might also reflect the broader cultural shift that began to see ports as sites of industry and national progress, not merely picturesque harbors. Historical societies and archives, shipping records, and period newspapers would help us to specify the date and place, and to understand the artist’s specific view of his subject. By examining the image in this way, we appreciate how cultural and institutional forces shape our interpretation of art.